ST. LOUIS, June 8 (UPI) -- Boeing Co. said it is confident it can meet U.S. Air Force deadlines for delivering the next-generation KC-46 tanker.
Boeing has encountered unexpected challenges in developing and integrating the various components of the KC-46 air tanker's system, the Shephard Group Web site reported Wednesday.
Boeing Military Airplanes President Chris Chadwick said, "With all the scrutiny that the air force tanker has had, we want to be unbelievably sure that as we move forward that here is the path we're going, and here is the information and insight."
In resubmitting its application for the Air Force tanker competition, Boeing committed itself to a $3.5 billion firm, fixed-price contract for the development and delivery of the first 18 KC-46 to be combat ready by 2017.
Boeing Defense, Space and Security President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg said Boeing doesn't anticipate significant changes to the baseline KC-46 aircraft proposed to the Air Force. He added: "Admittedly it's been a challenging program but we're now nearing the finish line. There have been some lessons learned from both those programs."
